checking oil Mercury Mercury Cougar 2002 Owner's Manual

Check the washer fluid whenever
you stop for fuel. The reservoir is
highlighted with a
symbol.
Add fluid to fill the reservoir if the
level is low. In very cold weather, do
not fill the reservoir completely.
Only use a washer fluid that meets Ford specification ESR-M17P5±A.
Refer toLubricant specificationsin this chapter.
State or local regulations on volatile organic compounds may restrict the
use of methanol, a common windshield washer antifreeze additive.
Washer fluids containing non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used
only if they provide cold weather protection without damaging the
vehicle's paint finish, wiper blades or washer system.
Note:Do not put washer fluid in the engine coolant reservoir. Washer
fluid placed in the cooling system may harm engine and cooling system
components.
ENGINE OIL
Checking the engine oil
Refer to the scheduled maintenance guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine oil.
1. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
2. Turn the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the
oil pan.
3. Set the parking brake and ensure the gearshift is securely latched in P
(automatic transaxle) or 1st (manual transaxle).
4. Open the hood. Protect yourself from engine heat.
5. Locate and carefully remove the engine oil indicator (dipstick).
Maintenance and Specifications
172

Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only certified
engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine oil filler cap
and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap clockwise
tightly until clicks are heard, or until it is snug.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
Look for this certification
trademark.
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended.
Only use oils ªCertified For Gasoline Enginesº by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). Use Motorcraft or an equivalent oil meeting
Ford specification WSS-M2C153±H.SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum
fuel economy and durability performance meeting all
requirements for your vehicle's engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the scheduled maintenance guide.
Ford production and aftermarket (Motorcraft) oil filters are designed for
added engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used
Maintenance and Specifications
174

If the battery has been disconnected or a new battery has been installed,
the clock and the preset radio stations must be reset once the battery is
reconnected.
²Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center
to find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -36É C (-34É F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014±R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the ªcold fullº of ªcold fill rangeº level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50±50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
²Freeze protection down to -36É C (-34É F).
²Boiling protection up to 129É C (265É F).
²Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
²Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
LEAD
RETURN
RECYCLE
Maintenance and Specifications
177

Cleaning your vehicle
engine compartment ..............162
instrument panel ....................164
interior .............................164±165
plastic parts ............................163
washing ....................................161
waxing .....................................161
wheels ......................................162
wiper blades ............................164
Climate control (see Air
conditioning or Heating) ............44
Clock ..........................26, 33, 41, 60
Clutch
fluid ..........................................192
operation while driving ..........125
recommended shift speeds ....126
Console ........................................67
Coolant
checking and adding ..............177
low coolant light .......................12
refill capacities ................181, 199
specifications ..................200±201
Cruise control
(see Speed control) ....................61
Customer Assistance ................134
Ford accessories for your
vehicle .....................................166
Ford Extended Service
Plan ..........................................154
Getting assistance outside the
U.S. and Canada .....................158
Getting roadside assistance ...134
Getting the service you
need .........................................152
Ordering additional owner's
literature .................................159
The Dispute Settlement
Board .......................................154Utilizing the
Mediation/Arbitration
Program ...................................157
D
Daytime running lamps
(see Lamps) ................................47
Defrost
rear window ..............................46
Dipstick
automatic transmission
fluid ..........................................192
engine oil .................................172
Doors
door ajar warning .....................15
lubricant specifications ..........200
Driving under special
conditions
through water .........................128
E
Emergencies, roadside
jump-starting ..........................145
Emission control system ..........189
Engine ........................................201
check engine/service engine
soon light ..................................10
cleaning ...................................162
coolant .....................................177
idle speed control ...................175
lubrication
specifications ..................200±201
refill capacities ........................199
service points ..................170±171
starting after a collision .........135
Engine block heater .................115
Engine oil ..................................172
checking and adding ..............172
Index
208